The Taiwan card (Taiwan China relations under stress)

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The Taiwan card (Taiwan China relations under stress)

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• China - Taiwan relations: China asserts Taiwan is not a sovereign nation, but its own territory, and it can use force to ensure the same. Taiwan has delicately balanced the game till date, ensuring good trade ties with mainland China.
• Recent elections: The pro-independence party DPP (Democratic Progressive Party) saw adverse results in some strongholds, while the Kuomintang (Chinese Nationalist Party) gained in local elections. President Tsai Ing-wen resigned owning moral responsibility.
• Enter Donald Trump: He has tried using the Taiwan card to pressure China in the trade war. First, he got a congratulatory phone call from Ms. Tsai when he won the Presidency. US-China official diplomatic relations started 1979, and US downgraded Taipei to unofficial exchanges.
• 2018 Taiwan Travel Act: It aims at greater engagement, as does the new HQ of American Institute in Taiwan. Beijing is angry with Taiwan President's US visits.
• Meddling is on: Allegation of China's meddling in elections are rampant, with funding of opposition figures. Businesses are being forced to take down references of Taiwan as a separate entity.   (Air India also was forced to do it!)
• Stop recognising Taiwan: Beijing is applying all types of pressure to stop countries from according diplomatic recognition to Taipei. Many African and Central American states have done it, proving the financial clout of China.
• What's in a name? The Olympic team is named Chinese Taipei, and a referendum to rename it "Taiwan" fell. That means many citizens are not thinking of independence, but of "status quo". Taiwan may like to stay clear of big rivalries.
• Summary : Taiwan's moves at claiming independence from China have run into rough weather, and maintaining a "status quo" may be a better idea for it.

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